The sunset above is where most of our tomorrows exploration ideas begin,—right here at the back of the paddock, watching the sun go down and planning where to head in the New England region next.
There is so much natural beauty—and many unique little shops and attractions—through the New England region. The next research priority is finding out all the great little cafes and restaurants so that is my next hunt!
With more friends and family planning visits, I’ve found myself wanting to gather a list—not just of places to go, but places I’ve genuinely enjoyed and would happily take people back to (and quietly take credit for “discovering,” even if I absolutely did not).
The New England region is known for its four distinct seasons, which means it really is worth visiting at any time of year—though I’m still emotionally adjusting to just how enthusiastic winter is up here. 35 people on Instagram threads which I still have no idea what I am doing on there all made sure I was well aware of exactly how cold it gets!
This is just the beginning of my list, and I know it will keep growing as we continue exploring life and other areas up here.
Getting to Guyra is part of the experience. You can travel via the New England Highway through larger towns like Muswellbrook, Tamworth, Uralla and Armidale.
Or, if you have the time, take Thunderbolts Way—a much more scenic drive winding through the Great Dividing Range, passing through Gloucester and Walcha, with beautiful views out toward Barrington Tops.
It’s one of those drives where you have to stop because that is all part of the journey.
Here are a few of the places that are well worth the stop:
Ebor Falls
Ebor Falls is one of those places that makes you stop and just take it all in.
There’s an easy 600m sealed track leading to a series of viewing platforms, each offering a slightly different perspective over the falls and the gorge below. It’s the kind of spot where you end up lingering longer than you planned—and possibly taking far too many photos that all look strangely the same.
The area is also well known for trout fishing, and there are walking tracks and camping spots nearby if you feel like staying a little longer (or pretending you’re the kind of person who camps regularly).
Wollomombi Falls
Another place that really stays with you is Wollomombi Falls—the second-highest waterfall in Australia.
It’s only about half an hour from Armidale, but it feels a world away. The lookout offers sweeping views, and it’s an easy place to slow down, have a picnic, and just enjoy the quiet… or stand there slightly in awe wondering how something that big exists so casually.
There are a few short walking tracks, as well as longer ones if you feel like exploring more of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
Deano’s Smoked Trout
This one has become a bit of a favourite for me.
More than once, I’ve found myself sitting on the front verandah with a glass of wine, some of Deano’s smoked trout, a bit of cheese, and thinking—this is exactly why we made the move.
Also thinking: this is dangerously close to becoming a regular habit.
Set on a peaceful property, it’s a lovely place to wander, sit by the dam, or settle in for a relaxed picnic. You can also do a tour or try catch-and-keep fishing, which is something a bit different if you’re visiting (and slightly more hands-on than I’ve personally committed to so far).
It’s one of those spots that feels unhurried and very easy to lose an afternoon in. Check out his website here for more details on booking and photos.
New England Regional Art Museum
If you feel like something a little different from the outdoors, the New England Regional Art Museum in Armidale is well worth a visit.
It has six galleries showcasing a mix of local and Australian artists, along with a collection that spans from the 1800s through to contemporary work.
There are also workshops, classes, and a café, so it’s an easy place to spend a few relaxed hours—especially if the weather is doing its usual unpredictable New England thing.
Dobson’s Distillery
Tucked away near Kentucky, just outside Uralla, Dobson’s Distillery is a lovely little find. I am finding it difficult not to incorporate it as a “stretch the legs lunch stop” every time we come back from Sydney on Thunderbolts Way.
It’s the kind of place you go for a quick tasting and somehow end up staying much longer than planned—purely for research purposes, of course.
With award-winning gin, whisky, vodka and liqueurs, plus a focus on local produce, it feels like a real experience rather than just a stop.
If you have the time, it’s worth booking in for a tasting or a long lunch… or both. Click on their website here for bookings
Cathedral Rock Lookout
For something a bit more adventurous, Cathedral Rock National Park offers a more challenging walk—but the reward at the top is worth it.
The lookout gives you sweeping 360-degree views over the New England tablelands. It’s one of those places that reminds you just how vast and beautiful this area is… and also how unfit you may or may not be on the way up.
Definitely one to take your time with.
Gostwyck Chapel
Gostwyck Chapel is one of those quietly beautiful places that feels almost hidden.
Set on private property near Uralla, the chapel is covered in Virginia creeper and surrounded by elm trees, which makes it especially stunning in autumn.
It’s a favourite for photographers, but even without a camera, it’s worth visiting—though fair warning, you may suddenly feel the urge to take up photography anyway.
As always, it’s important to be respectful, as it is still private land.
Uralla
I keep finding myself drawn back to Uralla.
It’s a small town, but it has a really lovely feel to it—cafes, unique little shops, great pubs, and even a craft brewery. It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a plan and still end up having a great time… which is quickly becoming my preferred method of exploration.
If you’re passing through, it’s well worth stopping and spending a bit of time here.
I know there is so much more to discover, and this is only just the beginning. If you have any favourite spots in the New England region that I should add to my list, I’d love to hear them—clearly I’m building quite the itinerary.
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